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Tamara Camden asked:


Key West is a great escape for those who want to experience that island “ting”, but with the modern American conveniences. Key West is known for international tourism, to include the snowbirds from the Northern US & Canada, Europeans, Asians, and even Northern Floridians who want to leave the hustle of city life behind.

Although Key West is in the United States, it is often referred to as the “Conch Republic”, and the laid back attitude here makes you feel like you are in another country. Many Key Westers are known to be “quirky” and “friendly”, which makes up the charm of the city. Many artisans make their home here, and you’ll see delightfully painted bicycles, cars, and other island crafts around you. Key West is a pet-friendly town, too, and you’ll see chickens freely roam the streets.

Key West is the Southernmost city in the United States, and actually is closer to Cuba (90 miles), than it is to the Florida mainland. Key West is an island approximately 4 x 2 miles wide and is the last of the 100-mile-long chain of islands that connect all of the Florida Keys by bridges. There is only one road to and from Key West, (Highway US-1). This road travels from Key West up all the Florida Keys to the mainland to the city of Homestead, Florida.

The population of Key West is around 26,000 people, but the city average’s about 18,000 visitors daily. Key West has lovely historic homes in Old Town, and lovely pastel colored homes throughout the New Town area. Because of the limited availability of land and year-round sunny weather, real estate prices in Key West are some of the highest in the country.

Tourism is the primary business interest here. Downtown, Duval Street is world famous. Many tourists will experience the “Duval Crawl” by visiting the numerous souvenir shops, restaurants and bars located on this street.

Key West has more to offer than just bars. Take a tour on the famous “Conch Train. This tour is a “MUST DO” if you want an overall view of the island, and to get tips on famous spots. The conductors are great at explaining the history of Key West.

Other attractions include the Ernest Hemingway House (where many live 6-toed cats reside);

the Key West Aquarium, the Custom Art House, Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum, the Shipwreck Historeum, the Lighthouse, The Harry Truman Little White House, the Southernmost House, Pirate Soul Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Ghost Tours, Glass Bottom boat tours, and more. You can also book a boat or seaplane for a day-trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park which takes you to a natural beautiful island about 70 miles west of Key West.

Key West also has a few beautiful beaches to enjoy: Ft. Zachary Taylor Park, Smathers, Higgs, and South Beach. Each beach may offer it’s own particular services such as kayak rentals,

jet ski rentals, and parasailing.

If you are interested in searching for a vacation home in Key West, or the Florida Keys, or any other place world-wide, please visit: http://www.rentals2remember.com



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Kirby Collins asked:


We have our own little taste of the Caribbean here in Florida known as the Florida Keys. The Keys stretch over 110 miles from Key Largo, considered the first ‘Key’, down to Key West. The gateway to the Keys is Key Largo, it is only an hours drive from the two major airports in South Florida and is considered by the locals to be the “diving capital of the World”. While that may be a little biased, Key Largo is known as both an excellent place to dive and also to go Sport Fishing.

Islamorada is actually made up of six different islands and is also a great place to dive and go sportfishing. While you’re there be sure to check out the newly opened History of Diving Museum or the Theater of the Sea Aquarium where you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures.

Next is Marathon, the midpoint of the Keys, it is a ten mile long city and called ” the heart of the Keys” by the locals, it’s also where you’ll find one of the only two airports in the Keys, the other is in Key West. Just a few miles offshore here is North America’s only living coral reef, so again fill up those diving tanks and have some fun.

Big Pine Key is the start of the “Lower Keys” and home of the endangered and adorable Key Deer. The Lower Keys are known for their many RV Parks, campgrounds, licensed vacation homes and smaller quaint resorts. Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area is here too, stop in and enjoy the wildlife or relax on their white sand beach.

A mere 90 miles from Cuba lies Key West, the Southern most point in the U.S. Lummas Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida much less the Keys. You can snorkel, sail, and fish here, and that’s only a beginning. Land lovers can shop until they drop, then watch the sunset at Mallory Square and party all night on Duval Street in Key West.

With no shortage of cafes and restaurants, Key West offers plentiful options for indoor or outdoor dining. The bars on Duval Street are as famous as Bourbon street in New Orleans there is even a term they use when you’ve partied a little to much and are stumbling into a cab it’s called the ‘Duval Crawl’. If you end up doing it you’re in good company Ernest Hemingway was a regular at Sloppy Joe’s and his picture is up on the wall there. You can also go to Captain Tony’s, yes the one referred to in Jimmy Buffet’s song. Other popular watering holes include the Hog’s Breath Saloon, Crabby Dick’s and a host of other places to wet your whistle. Key West is definitely the perfect place to play all day and party all night.

So, can you feel it? You get to Key Largo and you start to relax, Islamorada comes along and you freely trade your blackberry and briefcase for some sunglasses and flip flops. You find yourself in Marathon yearning for a leafy tropical shirt and a fruity frozen drink. Big Pine Key makes you want to pitch a tent to stay forever and by the time you cross seven mile bridge to Key West the transformation is complete. With so many places in the Florida Keys having worked their magic once again and like one of the many game fish caught offshore, now you’re hooked.



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Jen W. asked:


When searching for the perfect warm and sandy location to head to for your next vacation, consider Key West, Florida for your vacation needs. Key West is located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys and offers quite a bang for its small size with its numerous beaches and abundant water activities. Whether you want to feel as if you have left the world behind or participate in all the adventure this diverse island has to offer, Key West can become your haven for a relaxing and exciting vacation.

Although the island of Key West only encompasses 4.2 square miles, visitors will certainly find plenty of space to throw down a towel for some fun in the sun. When searching for the beach that best meets your watersport needs, head over to the south side of the island to check out a few of the more popular beaches. Smathers Beach, the largest of the public beaches, is usually very busy since it provides access to the water for those who want to go jet skiing, kayaking, or wind surfing while also allowing for excitement on land with its volleyball courts.

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is a quieter option than Smathers Beach and allows for an off the beaten path sand experience. This state park contains 67 acres of beautiful white sand and lush forests that are ripe for exploration. A favorite among the locals, Fort Zachary Taylor is a prime destination for swimming and snorkeling in the warm turquoise waters and venturing near the brim of the forests. If you decide to make your way to this beach for a glimpse of the breathtaking sunset, don’t forget your aqua shoes since there is crushed coral everywhere.

For those who head to Key West without stopping at the other islands of the Florida Keys, a journey out to the reef from Key West Harbor is an absolute must. Catch sight of the vibrant marine life and the only living coral reef in North America by journeying underneath these warm waters on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. If you prefer to stay dry but don’t want to miss out on this noteworthy sight, hitch a ride out to sea on one of the glass bottom boat tours.

Possibly the most popular activity with visitors to Key West, a deep sea fishing adventure is the best way to experience a surge of adrenaline and the thrill of reeling in a big one. With over 225 species of gamefish patrolling the clear waters off the Florida Keys, you are bound to come back with a lively story about the one you snagged, and hopefully not about the one that got away. There are numerous experienced guides available out of Key West to take you into the nearby Gulfstream, where you can try for marlin and sailfish, but make your reservation early to preserve your chance at a memorable angling adventure.

When you are ready to step back from the water and enjoy a low-key attraction, hop aboard the always popular Conch Tour Train for captivating tales about the history of the island. From the reign of the Indians to the golden age of settlement to the end of WWII, you will be taken back in time to learn about not only the island itself, but also the characters who played a key role in its growth, development, and place in history.

With so many activities in such a small, gorgeous area, the opportunities for entertainment may seem overwhelming at first. However, by staying on the island in one of the numerous Key West vacation rentals that are conveniently located near the shore, you can take advantage of the amazingly warm, crystal clear waters this island provides access to. Whether you want to catch some sun in the fine white sand or head further out for a snorkeling adventure, your vacation rental makes it easy to enjoy the best of Key West since everything you need for excitement is just a short walk away.



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